The VFW traces its roots back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902) founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service: Many arrived home wounded or sick. There was no medical care or veterans' pension for them, and they were left to care for themselves. 

In their misery, some of these veterans banded together and formed organizations with what would become known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. After chapters were formed in Ohio, Colorado and Pennsylvania, the movement quickly gained momentum. By 1915, membership grew to 5,000; by 1936, membership was almost 200,000.  Fast forward and the VFW peaked in 1992 with 2.1 million members. Today that number has shrunk to just over 950,000 active members. And though war continues to be just as lethal as it was when the first caveman hit his neighbor in the head with a rock, we are grateful that large scale conflicts have limited membership into our exclusive club.

Wilmington's own VFW Post 6710 was originally chartered on April 14, 1946. It was incorporated by the National By-Laws of the Veterans of Foreign of the United States of America on November 19, 1951 and has been in continual existence of corporation (not for profit) since December 22, 1951. A name change from Clinton County Post 6710 to Cpl. James H. Smithson VFW Post 6710 took place on September 1, 1982.

Cpl. James Henry Smithson was born on September 2, 1900 and died on May 5th, 1981. He is buried at the IOOF Jefferson Township Cemetery in Westboro Ohio. He enlisted in the US Army on August31, 1941 and was Discharged on June 6, 1945

In September 1970 the post had over 300 members. At that time there were a few WWI Veterans, numerous WWII and a few Korean Veterans.  Rumor has it that Clinton County Veterans once belonged to a Xenia, Greene County Post before deciding to establish a Clinton County VFW Post. Since 1970 the post has moved to many locations:

·       From Dalton Road to Owner of DeLucas Dugout bldg.

·       To former New Martin Hotel

·       To Commander Charles Grooms Garage on South Wall St.

·       Main School bldg., West Sugartree St.

·       To 94 North South St.

·       Finally, to our present location, 1130 N. Lincoln St.

At our present location we've been able to pay off our mortgage and have made major upgrades and renovations with the most recent in 2023 when we were closed for several months.

Today, though we have an average age of 67, we’re quite the small proud band of 103 brothers and sisters!